By Joel Spears
Features Editor

MOUNT CARMEL - On Tuesday the Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on first reading an ordinance that will limit the locations where methadone clinics may be placed in the town.
    In the amended code of ordinances new rules state that methadone clinics may not be located within 1,000 feet of a school, day care facility, park, place of worship, funeral home, or hospital.
    In addition, the same rule also applies to placing a methadone clinic near "any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for either on or off premises consumption; an area devoted to public recreation activity; any amusement catering to family entertainment; or any residential dwelling at the time of approval.
    The amended ordinance also states that such clinics should not be less than one-half mile from any other methadone treatment clinic or facility, or substance abuse treatment facility.
    Any violation of the new amended ordinance will result in a maximum penalty of $50.  Each day of the violation "may constitute a separate offense."
    The ordinance also limits methadone clinics to an M-1 (Industrial
use) zone.
    Before final approval, the ordinance must go before the town's planning commission then pass a second reading at the February BMA meeting.
    Similar ordinances have already been passed in other municipalities
across Hawkins County.